Whether you’re a self-proclaimed professional gamer or an avid fan of anime or fantasy, the upcoming ConnectiCon convention in Hartford covers all grounds in the world of pop culture.
The convention starts on July 13 at the Convention Center and goes through July 15 and a vibrant crowd is expected as always, many arriving in Cosplay — elaborate and often expensive costumes that are meant to mimic characters of mainstream and underground series.
Anime and video game-related material typically are the main attractions, but the schedule includes screenings and lectures on graphic novels, movies, television series, video games and literary works.
A group of University of Hartford students who were involved in a Science Fiction and Fantasy Guild club founded ConnectiCon in 2002 because other hobby conventions were far away from Connecticut.
In 10 years, it has grown into an event that draws thousands.
Among many guests at this year’s ConnectiCon convention, will be Jim Cummings, best known for the voice of Tigger and Winnie The Pooh. Cummings has also worked on King of the Hill, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons, Catdog, and Disney animated films like Tarzan, The Lion King, and The Princess and the Frog.
Carlos Ferro, a leading voice actor in the video game industry, is expected.
Fans may flock to hear the experts speak, but ConnectiCon is also a place for individuals to show their own work or buy items in an “The Artist’s Colony” to buy “fan-art,” “fan-fiction” and more.
There are video game tournaments, including a three-hour Madden NFL ’12 tournament on July 15.
Amateur film makers will compete in the annual FMV’s, a fan-made music video contest on July 14 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A Cosplay Chess show will be held on July 15, from noon to 2 p.m., in which a variety of characters fight “to the death” atop a stage-size version of the original chess board. The stage masquerade is additionally named one of the biggest shows of ConnectiCon, scheduled for Saturday night 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
A full schedule of events, pricing, and remaining availability is available on the ConnectiCon website.
